Want to provide a higher level of care for loved ones at home? 

Want to upgrade care delivery at your nursing home or facility?

It may be time to consider a Med-Surg bed. 

Here, we’ll go over what a Med-Surg bed is, the differences between a Med-Surg and standard hospital bed, unique benefits that a Med-Surg bed can provide, and so much more. 

A medical-surgical (Med-Surg) bed is a specialized type of hospital bed designed to meet the needs of patients requiring extended care, whether in medical facilities or home settings. Unlike standard hospital beds, Med-Surg beds are equipped with additional features that go the extra mile in providing advanced patient care. 

Med-Surg beds are primarily designed for acute care settings, including medical and surgical units. They are best for patients with complex recovery needs and advanced positioning requirements. Though you’ll usually find Med-Surg beds in a hospital, certain high-needs patients may find value in having a Med-Surg bed for use at home. 

Want to know if a Med-Surg bed is right for you? Here, let’s break down the key pros and cons.

Benefits of a Med-Surg Bed for Homecare

Advanced Features for Better Care

Med-Surg beds offer hospital-grade functionality, electronic adjustments for head, foot, and height settings, built-in side rails, and specialized positioning options. These features enhance patient comfort while facilitating specialized medical care for patients or loved ones. 

Improved Caregiver Support

High-quality patient care isn’t just about the patient– caregivers are a critical piece of the care delivery process! Med-Surg beds offer unique features that make care delivery easier, faster, and more efficient.

• Bed Exit Alarms: Alert caregivers when a patient unexpectedly leaves their bed
• Integrated Scales: Track patient weight automatically– no complicated transfers to use the scale!
• CPR Release Levers: In the rare case that CPR is required, CPR release levers allow the bed platform to be lowered in seconds. This creates a firm surface for chest compressions, allowing caregivers to administer CPR quickly in situations where every second counts. 
• Nurse Call Systems: Make it easier than ever to communicate with and respond to patients whenever they need help. 

Hospital-Grade Durability

Want a care bed that is designed to stand up to years of wear and tear? Med-Surg beds are built with heavy-duty frames and medical-grade materials, equipped to withstand long-term use. 

Enhanced Patient Comfort & Recovery

No matter what positioning or custom support a patient needs, Med-Surg beds are equipped to handle it. The advanced customizable positioning helps prevent bedsores, increase circulation, and help promote proper airflow. 

Larger Footprint

Med-Surg beds are bulkier and heavier than standard homecare beds. Before purchasing, take time to ensure there is enough space in the bedroom or facility to accommodate a home-care bed. 

Higher Cost

Med-Surg beds can be more expensive than traditional home care beds, with most models listed at $3,000+. If cost is a concern, you may consider renting a bed and paying a lower monthly fee. 

Complex Features

Med-Surg beds come with advanced controls that may require caregiver training. 

Power Dependency

Med-Surg beds are equipped with electronic components, and therefore rely on consistent power access. Though many beds are equipped with a backup battery to stay operational during power outages, a wired connection is required for regular use. 

However, this power dependency is not limited to Med-Surg beds only. Standard semi-electric and electric hospital beds also rely on wired electricity connections. 

Standard hospital beds are primarily designed for care facilities and at-home use. They can be manual, semi-electric, or fully electric, and offer basic adjustability with controls for head, foot, and height settings. 

Med-Surg beds are for patients needing an additional level of care. They may include features such as: 

• Advanced Positioning: Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, and other positions to support circulation, aid respiratory function, and promote surgical recovery. 
• Technology: Integrated brake alarms, bed exit alerts, and scales (no need to get out of bed in order to track your weight!)
• Caregiver-friendly Features: Back-up batteries and nurse call systems are designed to help support caregivers. 

Comparing Features: Hospital Bed vs Med-Surg

Below is a comparison of the most common features between standard hospital/long term care beds and Med-Surg beds. 

Please note that this is an overview, and that some standard hospital beds do include the same advanced features as Med-Surg beds. Features may vary across models. 

Because Med-Surg beds are designed to address complex medical needs, they provide the greatest benefit to patients who struggle with high-needs chronic or acute medical conditions. These conditions may include (but are not limited to): 

• Cardiovascular Disorders: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or other cardiac conditions that require frequent elevation of the head to reduce fluid buildup and improve breathing. 
• Respiratory Diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients benefit from head elevation and Trendelenburg positioning to aid lung function and reduce aspiration risk. 
• Neurological and Spinal Conditions: Great for spinal cord injuries and stroke recovery, med-surg beds support safe positioning, reduce the risk of ulcers, and help increase independence and mobility. 
• Chronic Pain: For anyone struggling with chronic pain, med-surg beds can help users frequently reposition themselves, integrate specialized mattresses, and live a better quality of life. 
• Post-Surgical Recovery: Improve recovery times and support positive health outcomes, while minimizing strain on incisions. 
• Acute Medical Crises: For those suffering from acute conditions like pneumonia, respiratory conditions, and gastrointestinal bleeding, Med-Surg beds support patients through CPR release levers, integrated scales, nurse call systems, and advanced positioning. 

Check out Med Mart’s  comprehensive catalog of standard hospital beds, long-term care beds, and Med-Surg beds. Med Mart offers new Med-Surg beds, as well as certified refurbished beds. 

Need some help picking out the perfect Med-Surg bed for your facility or home? Contact our team of product experts: with over 30 years of experience, we’d love to support you in finding the ideal equipment for your needs.